Surfing lessons with
Jake Tavakoli
From$106.31 per lesson
•
Surfing lessons with
Jake Tavakoli
From$106.31 per lesson
•80
Happy Student ScoreFair
This coach is dependable, though reschedules are more frequent. Best if your schedule is flexible.
Coach Rating
5.0
80
Happy Student ScoreFair
This coach is dependable, though reschedules are more frequent. Best if your schedule is flexible.
Coach Rating
5.0
About your surfing coach
With over five years of experience teaching beginner and intermediate surfers, I bring a holistic and deeply personal approach to every lesson. My teaching is rooted in mindfulness, breathwork, and the belief that surfing is not just a sport—it’s a pathway to growth, presence, and self-discovery. I’m passionate about helping others find confidence in the water, connection with the ocean, and a deeper understanding of themselves through surfing. For me, the lessons we learn on the board mirror the challenges and triumphs of everyday life, and I’m honored to guide others on that journey.
👋
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
🌱
Levels: Beginners, Intermediates
📍
Lives in: San Diego, California
🎓
Years Playing: Not specified
🔥
Given: 33 lessons
Jake's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Jake's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Availability on all locations
Near San Diego, California
No availability for this date
Didn't find a time or location that works with Jake?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
Accomplishments
🏅Amateur Surfer
➕Eagle Scout
Beginner training plan
Your first lesson🏄♂️ **Surf Lesson Plan: First-Time Surfer*
🌞 **Warm-Up & Body Prep (~10 mins)**
- **Stretching Sequence**
- Shoulder rolls and arm swings (paddling prep)
- Hip openers and hamstring stretches (pop-up mobility)
- and more!
- **Breathwork Exercise**
- Diaphragmatic breathing: 5 deep belly breaths, hold 3 seconds, slow exhale
- Box breathing: inhale 4 sec → hold 4 → exhale 4 → hold 4 (repeat 4 rounds)
- Purpose: regulate nerves, increase lung efficiency, prepare for wipeouts
---
#### 🛠️ **Surfboard 101 (~10 mins)**
- **Parts of the Surfboard**
- Nose, tail, rails, deck, bottom
- Fins (why they matter)
- Leash (safety and attachment point)
- Waxed areas (where to stand & grip)
- **Board Handling Etiquette**
- How to carry the board safely
- Awareness of wind and board control around others
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#### 🧠 **Water Safety Briefing (~10 mins)**
- **Ocean Awareness**
- Reading rip currents, tides, wave sets
- Identifying safe zones and escape strategies
- **Board Control**
- Avoiding loose boards post-wipeout
- Protecting yourself and others from fin injuries
- **Emergency Signals**
- Hand gestures for help, “I’m okay,” or exit cues
- **Environment Respect**
- Local break etiquette, sharing the lineup, respecting marine life
---
#### 🏄♀️ **Dry Land Skills (~15 mins)**
- **Paddling Technique**
- Body positioning: chest up, toes relaxed
- Arm path: long strokes from nose to mid-rail
- Breath control while paddling
- **Pop-Up Practice**
- Pop-up drill: prone → knees (optional step) → feet in surf stance
- Balance and foot positioning: shoulder-width, weight centered
- Repeat 5–10 reps for muscle memory
---
#### 🌊 **In-Water Session (~45 mins)**
- **Shallow Water Familiarization**
- Board mounting and paddling warm-up
- Controlled wipeouts and recovery posture
- **Catching Waves**
- Start with white water rides
- Practice paddle timing and pop-up
- Post-ride assessment: “What went well? What could improve?”
- **Cool Down Reflection**
- Stretch and breath reset
- Debrief key learning points & confidence check
Lesson 11+🔥 **Warm-Up + Mental Prep (~10 mins per session)**
- **Stretch Routine**
- Focus on mobility for torso rotation and leg drive (turning, stability)
- **Breathwork & Visualization**
- Diaphragmatic breathing for stress control
- Visualization of wave approach and fluid movement
- “Anchor breath” technique for managing crowded or high-swell sessions
---
🌊 **Ocean Awareness & Adaptive Surfing**
- **Surf Conditions Deep Dive**
- Reading swell maps, wind patterns, and local break behavior
- Adapting positioning based on tides and crowd density
- **Etiquette Refinement**
- Priority rules and lineup strategy
- Sharing space respectfully and assertively
- Debriefing real-time scenarios for learning
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🏄♂️ **Surf Technique & Skill Expansion**
- **Dry Land Flow Sequence**
- Paddle → pop-up → stance → turn → recovery
- Drill turning mechanics using torso and arm movement
- **In-Water Application (~45–60 mins)**
- Practice angled wave entry and timing
- Attempts at green wave riding (if conditions allow)
- Link maneuvers into longer, self-guided rides
- Introduce first turning techniques or carving weight shifts
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💪 **Resilience & Independent Surfing**
- **Challenges and Scenarios**
- Practice wipeouts and fast recovery drills
- Managing fatigue, frustration, and breath regulation
- Mindful surf: observe, breathe, respond
- **Solo Surf Session with Shadow Coaching**
- Student makes decisions on lineup, wave choice, and timing
- Instructor provides observational feedback post-session
- **Reflection Tools**
- Audio logs or journaling
- Visualization of next goals and building confidence mindset
Lesson 4-10** Linking movements, reading conditions, surf etiquette
- **Stretch & Mental Prep (~10 mins)**
- Core activation and breath control for stamina
- Mental focus drill: sensory awareness + visualization
- **Surf Etiquette Deep Dive**
- Priority rules, sharing waves, spacing
- Respect for locals and environment
- **Dry Land Flow Drill**
- Paddle → pop-up → stance → turn (fluid motion practice)
- **In-Water Application (~40 mins)**
- Paddling to lineup, catching small green waves (if conditions allow)
- Ride analysis: entry, stance, control
- Begin self-guided wave attempts with instructor feedback
- **Debrief & Next Steps**
- Reflect on progress, surf goals
- Breathing cool-down, journaling or voice notes to track improvement
Lesson 2-3**Lesson 2: Skill Building & Ocean Awareness**
**Focus:** Improving paddle strength, wave timing, balance
- **Stretch & Breathwork (~10 mins)**
- Focus on hip and shoulder engagement
- Visualization breathwork: imagine successful wave ride
- **Wave Selection & Timing**
- Reading sets, identifying beginner-friendly waves
- Paddle positioning and launch timing drills
- **Refining Pop-Up**
- Adjust foot placement for balance
- Stance check: knee bend, arms, weight distribution
- **In-Water Surfing (~30–40 mins)**
- Catching longer whitewater rides
- Practicing full pop-up and carving balance
- Working on recovery and positioning post-wipeout
- **Post-Surf Review**
- Discuss progress, areas to tweak
- Confidence and relaxation breathwork
Youth players
Working with kidsKey Adaptations for a Kid-Friendly Surf Environment**
🛟 **Safety First**
- **Shallow Water Start** – Lessons often begin in waist-deep water or whitewater for better control and comfort.
- **Soft-Top Boards** – Foam boards reduce injury risk and offer stability for easier balance.
- **Smaller Group Sizes** – More one-on-one attention for spotting, feedback, and safety.
- **Bright Rash Guards** – Help instructors keep visual track of each child in the water.
- **Constant Supervision** – Instructors stay within arm’s reach and guide each paddle-out and ride.
🧒 **Kid-Friendly Teaching Style**
- **Play-Based Learning** – Lessons include games like “shark tag” or “wave high-fives” to warm up and build comfort.
- **Simplified Instructions** – Phrases like “banana paddle” or “cheetah pop-up” make techniques memorable.
- **Positive Reinforcement** – High-fives, cheers, and silly celebrations build self-esteem and keep things light.
- **Mini Challenges** – Goal-based tasks like “stand for 3 seconds” or “ride 3 waves” turn progress into fun missions.
🧘 **Mind & Body Readiness**
- **Stretch & Movement** – Include animal-themed stretches (e.g. “starfish pose” or “crabby crawls”) to prep muscles playfully.
- **Breathing Exercises** – Simple belly breathing or pretending to blow up balloons teaches calm and oxygen control.
🏄 **Skill Introduction**
- **Board Parts via Storytelling** – “The nose is where the dolphin lives!” transforms anatomy into imagination.
- **Basic Pop-Up Drills** – Practiced on sand with fun prompts (e.g. “launch like a rocket!”)
- **First Rides** – Assisted rides on soft waves where kids feel successful and stoked.
Working with teenagers⚡️ **Adapting Surf Lessons for Teenagers**
🧠 **Teaching Philosophy**
- **Empowerment Over Instruction** – Frame lessons as personal challenges, not rules to follow.
- **Real-World Connection** – Relate skills to things they value: freedom, fitness, environmental responsibility.
- **Coaching, Not Commanding** – Use collaborative language: “Want to try a new takeoff strategy?” vs. “Do it this way.”
---
🛟 **Safety & Autonomy Balance**
- **Give Them a Role** – Include teens in safety briefings, like identifying rip currents or reviewing escape strategies.
- **Visual Aids & Conditions Awareness** – Teach surf forecasting, swell patterns, and lineup dynamics as a mini mentorship moment.
- **Encourage Buddy Systems** – Builds camaraderie and responsibility while staying safe.
---
🏄♀️ **Skill Progression with Challenge**
- **Clear Goals & Feedback Loops** – Set surf goals per session (e.g. “nail 3 clean pop-ups,” “read the set timing”) with mini reviews.
- **Dry Land Technical Practice** – Use video playback or peer demos for pop-ups and paddle form.
- **In-Water Tasks** – Assign wave selection drills, angled takeoffs, or stance variation challenges.
---
🎯 **Engagement & Motivation**
- **Gamified Elements** – Include missions like “tag the foam” or “ride 3 waves in 10 mins.”
- **Celebrate Failures Creatively** – Create a “wipeout of the day” shout-out to normalize mistakes and build humor.
- **Surf Culture Threads** – Introduce terminology, board art styles, and surf ethics to deepen connection.
---
🧘♂️ **Stretch & Breathwork Adapted for Teens**
- **Functional Mobility** – Focus on strength, flexibility, and sport-specific endurance
- **Breathwork for Focus**
- Box breathing or tactical breathing (used in athletics) for wave timing
- “Flow breath” to reset between sets or wipeouts
What you need to bringSunblock, water and your stoke to learn a new skill!
What I can bringI have foam top boards. Perfect for learning. I can also provide wetsuits sizes XS-Xl
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
JT
Surfing with Jake T.⭑ 5.0 (13 reviews)